elementary harbourview montessori school upper lower curriculum natural world respect

The Elementary Years

Harbourview Montessori's elementary program is exceptional, encompassing the best that the Montessori curriculum has to offer. We see the child as a whole being and approach his or her learning from a holistic perspective. What this means to us is that the classroom is a dynamic organism of which each child is an integral part. We learn that caring for each other is necessary in order for this whole organism to run efficiently and effectively. Our goal is for each child to develop not only a responsibility for the self but for others as well; therefore, attention is given to each child as an individual in relationship to the entire group.

There is a marked change in the development of the elementary child. Now, the child is interested in increased collaboration and increasingly abstract concepts and activities. Our teachers, assistants and classroom structure support this stage of development.

Our Elementary classes are run by Montessori teachers who specialize in the education of the 6-12 year old child. The enriched curriculum integrates a wide variety of "subjects" such as grammar, creative writing, zoology, botany, geology, history, geography and mathematics. The children are actively engaged in studies of world cultures, with a study of the United Nations deeply embedded in our daily studies.

The majority of the work that the elementary children do is based on research. This is why we consider our school to be a University Preparatory school. Children begin to learn about research in the Children's Houses. They refine their research skills at the Lower Elementary level. At the Upper Elementary level, the students spend most of their work period researching and reporting.

Elementary classes follow the Montessori model of a three-year age span in each classroom. Younger children benefit from having older role models. Older children benefit by having the opportunity to reinforce learned skills and experiencing the leadership role. The three-year age span creates a dynamic community in which children have many opportunities to develop social skills such as conflict resolution and teamwork.

To add to the sense of community and to get "grounded" at the start of the school year, we have a special tradition. Every September, we have two Star Gazing Nights at our school; one for Upper Elementary and one for Lower Elementary. The children arrive at school at night, bike around the school driveway, star gaze in the backyard and then play some night games in the woods (for those who are especially adventurous!). After this, we have a pizza party, listen to music and have a sleepover at school. This is a great time to bond at the start of the year and to develop the sense of community that is so important in a Montessori school.

At Harbourview Montessori, we aim to educate the whole child!

In the elementary classes, children are engaged in individual and small-group lessons. These lessons are designed to "light a spark" of interest and curiosity. After the lessons, many children will choose to continue research in the area that was presented. In our school, children are free to give lessons when they have discovered something that others may be interested in. Child-directed lessons happen on a daily basis.